Ultrasound of frequency 5.000 MHz reflected from red blood cells moving in an artery…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Waves Sound and Physical Optics · Waves Sound and Physical Optics

Problem

Ultrasound of frequency 5.000 MHz reflected from red blood cells moving in an artery is found to show a frequency shift of 2.4 kHz. The speed of ultrasound in blood is v=1500 m s−1v = 1500 \text{ m s}^{-1} . (1) Explain why the appropriate formula for the frequency shift is Δff=2uv\frac{\Delta f}{f} = \frac{2u}{v} , where uu is the speed of the blood cells. (2) Estimate the speed of the blood cells. (3) In practice, a range of frequency shifts is observed. Explain this observation.

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